The God Series, Part Two: Understanding God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit

We're diving back into our God series, which is dedicated to exploring and understanding different aspects of God. In this series, we’ll talk about the nature, characteristics, and significance of the divine.

Today, our focus is on Jesus and the Holy Spirit, examining their roles, relationships, and impact on our faith and daily lives. Join us as we expand our knowledge and deepen our spiritual connection.

God as a Father

Before we move forward, let's revisit a vital truth from the last session: God is a Father. This might seem simple, but it’s incredibly profound.

God is not an impersonal force or some distant deity; He is a loving Father deeply invested in our lives.

Jesus highlighted this when He taught His disciples how to pray. He said, "When you pray, say, 'Our Father in heaven," (Matthew 6:9). This simple phrase was revolutionary. It shifted the disciples' understanding of God from a distant deity to a personal, loving Father.

The Love of the Father

Ephesians 3:18-19 speaks of the immense love God has for us: "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

As a parent loves their child unconditionally, so does God love us. When we stumble or mess up, God isn't waiting to disown us. Instead, He is eager to restore us and bring us back into a right relationship with Him.

"Just because you made a mistake doesn't make you a mistake."

This message is crucial for anyone feeling guilt or condemnation. God’s love is unending and He desires to restore us.

God is Triune

Understanding God as a Father also means understanding the concept of the Trinity. While it may seem complex, this truth is essential to our faith.

Simply put, God is one Being in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person has unique roles but are fully united as one God.

This unity demonstrates the perfect relationship with God Himself and serves as an example for how we should strive to have harmonious relationships with others.

God the Father (God in Heaven)
God the Son, Jesus (God with us)
God the Holy Spirit (God in us)

These three distinct persons are one God, often referred to as the Trinity. An analogy often used is that of an egg: it has a shell, a yolk, and egg white—three parts, but still one egg.

The Example of Water Baptism

In Mark 1:9-11, we see all three persons of the Trinity together:

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'"

Here we see God the Father speaking from Heaven, God the Son being baptized, and God the Holy Spirit descending like a dove.

Jesus: Bread, Bruised, and Bridge

Jesus, God's only Son, is central to the Christian faith. He is described in many ways throughout the Bible:

Bread of Life: In John 6:35, Jesus says "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." Jesus referred to Himself as the Bread of Life, likening it to manna in the wilderness. Jus
Bruised for Our Sins: In Isaiah 53:5, it was prophesied that Jesus would be "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities." Jesus took on our suffering to offer us healing and wholeness in every aspect of life.
Bridge to God: In John 14:6, Jesus declares "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." There is a chasm between humanity and God due to sin. Jesus came to bridge that gap. Anchored in both Heaven and Earth, He makes a way for us to reach God.

These three descriptions show different aspects of who Jesus is and what He came to do for us. He provides sustenance for our spiritual hunger, takes on our sins so we can be forgiven, and offers a way for us to have a relationship with God.

The Holy Spirit: Our Helper and Guide

While the message of Jesus is crucial for the world, the church needs to embrace the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself emphasized this, saying in John 16:7, "But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." The Holy Spirit is essential for the church and individual believers.

Here are several things the Holy Spirit does for us:

Helps Us: He’s like a divine four-wheel drive, getting us unstuck and moving forward.
Guides Us: The Holy Spirit can supernaturally direct our steps, leading us to divine appointments and encounters.
Teaches Us: He takes the message of scripture and personalizes it to us, giving unique insights and understanding.
Comforts Us: In times of trouble, the Holy Spirit provides comfort and peace.
Prays for Us: Romans 8:26 says, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."
Bears Witness to the Truth: The Holy Spirit helps us discern truth from error.
Brings Joy and Peace: The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, and more (Galatians 5:22-23).
Produces Fruit: As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He produces character and virtues in our lives that reflect Jesus.

Embrace the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not weird or scary; He is holy and desires to make us holy. Unfortunately, many either don’t know about Him, don't care, or actively resist His work. It's crucial to embrace the Holy Spirit and acknowledge His role in our lives.

In John 14:26, Jesus says, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." Embracing the Holy Spirit means receiving His guidance, comfort, and empowerment.

Live in Faith

Understanding God as a Triune being—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is foundational to our faith. Each person of the Trinity plays a unique and vital role in our lives. Jesus, God wrapped in flesh, came to restore us to the Father and bridge the gap caused by sin. The Holy Spirit, sent by Jesus, empowers us to live holy and fruitful lives.

As believers, let’s embrace the fullness of who God is, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and transform us daily. Remember, God's love for us is as vast as it is incomprehensible. No matter where we find ourselves, His desire is always to restore us and draw us closer to Him.

" The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." – Zephaniah 3:17

Let's live out our faith with the knowledge that we are loved beyond measure by our Heavenly Father, redeemed by Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.